Peterdj said...
Thanks everyone, plenty to think about there.
Saving money for lessons is a good one. There are for and against for each way of doing it really.
Only one thing is a must, and that's lessons i guess how you get there is a personal preference type thing
If any school or instructor gives you advice that says don't fly a trainer kite - don't take lessons with them, they are more interested in your money that turning you into a competent safe beginner. If anyone else says don't bother with a trainer kite, ignore them.
Get yourself a trainer kite, the Ozone Imp is the best, it has a 3 line safety system that trains you to let go of the bar to depower or land the kite, and the third line also helps relaunch the kite.
The most important skill you need to learn in order to learn to kitesurf, is
kite control. The only safe and sensible way to get that kite control skill set is to use a trainer kite for at least 10 - 20 hrs. I recommend continuing to fly the trainer kite to fine tune your kite control skills even after you start kitesurfing on water. Keep the kite in your car or take it whenever you think you might get 15-20 mins to get some practice.
Its an investment that will save you money and time, and most shops will buy back/trade in a good quality trainer kite too.
Watch this video and you can see for yourself how easy it is to manage.
